"I would say that there is common ground. There is appreciation on the part of the Magic that Hedo...

"I would say that there is common ground. There is appreciation on the part of the Magic that Hedo is a significant part of the team and the role he plays, playing multiple positions," said Lon Babby, Turkoglu’s agent, on Tuesday.

"Hedo enjoys the team and living in Orlando and appreciates the opportunity the Magic have given him. That said, there is a lot of work to be done to reach an agreement."

Translation: The club and Turk aren't yet on the same page as far as money.

[....]

Magic General Manager Otis Smith said he told Turkoglu he had no plans to deal him before Thursday’s trade deadline. Smith has been confident that the Magic can keep Turkoglu no matter if he explores the market. "If he opts out, he opts out," Smith said

Brian Schmitz of the Orlando Sentinel has good news (the Magic aren't trading Turk before the deadline) and bad news (he and the Magic, so far, have not agreed on a dollar amount for a possible re-signing this summer).

almost 3 years ago Evan Dunlap 12 comments 0 recs |

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

It's probably at the point where . . .

The agent wants Hedo to make Rashard type of money at 16 million/yr for 6 years and Otis wants Hedo to make 8 million/yr for 3 years. It’s not my money, but I wouldn’t mind the Magic signing Hedo to a 4-5 year contract that starts at 10-12 million and gradually regresses for the life of the contract where the final season he makes 7-8 million.

Magic will keep their core intact for several years (that is proving to be a championship quality core, I believe) while also being able to bring in interchangeable role players to fill out the rest of the roster.

by funny80sguy on Feb 18, 2009 11:07 AM EST reply actions

The question is .. how far is each side 'off' on the money.

We can only speculate, but it appears to be a few million dollars.

As I said elsewhere, I’m fairly confident the Magic will re-sign Hedo but my only concern (a question I posed to David Thorpe) is .. would it be a mistake if the team re-upped Turk for 4-5 years. I would say yes, but Hedo is indeed a unique player, given his skill-set. He may not decline as much as the normal player. Nevertheless, would it be worth it (signing him for 4-5 years)? I’d err on the side of no, to be honest.

Former Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website

by erivera7 on Feb 18, 2009 11:49 AM EST up reply actions

Doh.....

just deal him!

I appreciate what he has contributed but he is not going to be a key part of this franchise in the next 3 years. He has value and an expiring contract. I know Otis isn’t moving him, but imo thats a mistake.

"I have come that you may have life, and life to the max"

by MNeilson on Feb 18, 2009 11:28 AM EST reply actions

It's not a mistake the Magic don't move Hedo.

Orlando can’t afford to stray from its path .. losing Jameer has been a bump on the road, but that doesn’t mean the team needs to panic and make rash moves (i.e. trading Hedo). Just have to be patient.

Former Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website

by erivera7 on Feb 18, 2009 11:51 AM EST up reply actions

Hedo will stay.....

The Magic will give him more years then they probably should in the process, however Hedo is going to find the free agent money his agent expects will not be there for him. Between the economic meltown and teams waiting for 2010 (LBJ…Wade….etc) the big money will not be out there for Hedo. Combine that with the fact (and Hedo knows it) that his is in the best playing situation possible I fully expect Hedo back at around 10 million.

Do no harm!!

by Brutalfacts on Feb 18, 2009 1:01 PM EST reply actions

Agreed, on all points.

Former Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website

by erivera7 on Feb 18, 2009 6:13 PM EST up reply actions

I really hope this is not Hedo being a tool ...

… and letting the MIP award last year go to his head. He came out straight away this season and said he was opting out, which was a stupid move on his part. Then he stunk up the place for the majority of the first two, maybe even three, months of the season, becoming largely anonymous at times and making very poor decisions on the offensive end.

If we’re to go on his contract year, he’s not really done all that much to warrant a big contract. I love Hedo and his sucker-fish face to death but if he’s going to be a tool, dump him ASAP while we can still get value.

by big aaron on Feb 18, 2009 2:10 PM EST reply actions

You cannot blame Hedo......

He looks around the clubhouse and knows he as as valuable (probably more) as Rashard to his team. Players keep score with contracts (size and scope) so Hedo can be forgiven if he overvalues himself.

Also………I say you can never blame a player in this situation. If someone is willing to pay him more he has to really think about it. When is the last time you told your boss to keep the raise?

Do no harm!!

by Brutalfacts on Feb 18, 2009 2:43 PM EST up reply actions

I'm not saying he shouldn't get a bigger contract

and I don’t think I mentioned that anywhere, either. More that I think he’s going for a bigger contract than he is worth and, beyond the Orlando offer (whatever that may be, more than likely to be a raise), it probably isn’t going to be there with a lot of teams stockpiling cap for the 2010 sweepstakes.

I hope Hedo stays as he’s capable of great things on the court and is clearly good for the chemistry too, but not at an over-inflated price. Of course, he is keeping score, as you say, with Rashard and his contract but that was one of the most ridiculous pieces of NBA business in recent memory and surely Hedo knows that he won’t get that kind of dollar. From the sounds of it, his agent may be giving him the money-first advice. Hopefully Hedo sees through that and takes Orlando’s offer, as long as it’s right for him, of course, but I hope he also has that sense of loyalty to us.

Just need to rely on Otis not to lowball the Hedo camp and offend him to the point where he actively looks elsewhere.

by big aaron on Feb 18, 2009 6:00 PM EST up reply actions